Examinations Compared
This post will compare the examinations between the UK and HK.
| UK Exam | When? | HK Exam |
| Year 2 SATs (Standard Attainment Tests) | End of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) | TSA (End of P3) |
| KS2 SATs | End of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) | TSA (End of P6) |
| 11+ | Year 6, for entry to Grammar Schools | |
| GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) | End of Key Stage 3 (Year 11; 16 years old) | BCA |
| AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary Level) | Year 12, to suppliment the A Levels | |
| A Level (Advanced Level) | End of Key Stage 4 (Year 13; 18 years old) | HKDSE/IB/GCE AL |
Of course, there are some variations in timings of the different examinations, but this table shows an approximate comparison between the UK and HK.
The 11+ is a special examination that primary schools do not prepare the children for, but tutors can be used for this. It is an entrance exam for grammar schools, which are schools that are academic-oriented. Not all children will take the 11+, as there are (free) comprehensive schools (local authority maintained) for children of all abilities.
Independent (or private) schools have their own entrance exams. School fees are required to attend these schools.
Comprehensive schools (known as “local authority maintained” or “community” schools) follow the national curriculum set by the government. However, academies, some grammar schools, and independent schools can follow a different curriculum.
Faith schools have a focus on a particular religion, e.g. Christianity, Islam.
Note: Despite the different types of schools, all children sit the Year 2 SATs, KS2 SATs, and GCSEs. Some examinations have been adapted for special educational needs.
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